Women’s Initiative

In the entrepreneurship and startup space, women entrepreneurs statistically receive less funding and support than their male counterparts. In fact, most venture-backed startups are “still overwhelmingly white, male, Ivy League-educated and based in Silicon Valley,” according to a recent study conducted jointly by RateMyInvestor and DiversityVC. Additionally, Asians in general also receive less funding and support. Asian women are under-represented in the VC industry where Asian women make up only 6%. Asian women entrepreneurs often wear many hats: business-owner, partners, mothers, and caregivers.

AS A MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION SUPPORTING ASIAN ENTREPRENEURS, WE UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGES FIRSTHAND THROUGH OUR STAFF AND MEMBERS. OUR GOAL IS TO IMPROVE THOSE TRENDS BY DEDICATING SPECIAL PROGRAMMING AND FUNDING TO WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS, SUCH AS:

Scholarship opportunities for women entrepreneurs for our Level Up and Inner Circles programs by committing over $10,000 in scholarships

Commitment to representation in leadership. We currently have two women chapter presidents, 3 women out of 7 board members, and a woman as Co-Chair of the national board Our goal is to always strive for a 50/50 gender ratio on the board and on staff.

Specific speaker events and webinars led by women. Some of our past speakers include:

  • Yvonne Hao, CFO Pillpackh America

  • Chole Dao, Project Runway

  • Tracey Doi, CFO, Toyota NortWinner

  • Christina Qi, Founder, Domeyard

  • Mayly Tao, DK Donuts